-Because I want to be a doctor, a lawyer, a gardener, a scuba diver, a taxi driver, a zookeeper, a librarian, a president, a chef, a vet, an actress, a waitress, a writer, a comedian, a therapist, a nanny, the captain of a ship, and an artist. As a teacher, I can be all of those things, because I'll be there in the lives of any student I teach. They may not grow up to be scientists or teachers like me, but they'll be damn good coaches and parents and underwater basket weavers, or WHATEVER they want to be. The most valuable thing I can think of to be is a teacher to all the mechanics and shoe store clerks and tight rope walkers and yes--maybe teachers--of the world and just for a second, a blip on the timeline of their amazing lives, I'll make a difference for someone.